Potter County Commissioners Meeting Minutes From August 13,2020

Potter County Commissioners Meeting Agenda August 27, 2020

Potter County Commissioners Meeting Minutes 7/30/2020

MATTRESSES ACROSS MCKEAN COUNTY COMPLETES FIRST MATTRESS DISTRIBUTION

 Forty-three new mattresses were provided to those in need throughout McKean County. August 25, 2020 – Mattresses Across McKean County introduced their project on June 14, 2019, and nearly one year later, they successfully completed their first mattress distribution. Amid a pandemic that limited the group’s ability to meet in person and delayed everything around us, they were able to provide 43 new mattresses to individuals in Eldred, Bradford, Lewis Run, Port Allegany, Mount Jewett, and Kane. Although their original goal was to deliver all mattresses by May 2020, they weren’t too far off by completing distribution at the end of June; and it seemed more fitting to make the deliveries closer to their one-year anniversary. 

Mattresses Across McKean County started as a group project developed by members of the 2019 Leadership McKean Class. The group’s mission is simple: “Our mission is to provide mattresses to those in need in McKean County”. Applications were released in February 2020, with a deadline of April 15, 2020. The group received thirty-two applications, and each applicant’s request was fulfilled, without direct fundraising. 

After introducing the project last year, founding members spoke to organizations, clubs, rotaries, and churches throughout McKean County, which resulted in monetary donations that allowed the group to purchase the new mattresses for their first distribution. Between Four Walls in Bradford, PA was able to accept the group’s order and fulfill it rather quickly. In one year, the group expanded from its five founders: Tonia Hartzell - President, Michele McCann – Vice President, Jean Barnard – Secretary, Amy O’Neil – Treasurer, and Donnie Hayden – Vice Treasurer, to a full board of thirteen members. 

The remaining eight board members include the following: Mindi Brown, Barb Close, Tanya Gayley, Kristin Hawver, Carolee Learn, Jim Line, Ronda Skoken, and Dan Wertz. Mattresses Across McKean County is currently registered as a charitable organization in PA; however, they will be taking the steps to file for 501(c)(3) status sooner than anticipated. “While we know there is a need greater than what we can fill right now, each of us agreed to keep things at a manageable pace to ensure a sustainable and successful program,” said Tonia Hartzell, speaking on behalf of the group. “Our next step is to file for 501(c)(3) status, in order to apply for other funding that is available in our area, with the hopes of being able to provide new mattresses for every application we receive.” The group is planning to release an application next month for a potential distribution in late fall 2020. 

While it is uncertain if they will be able to fulfill each request for the next round, they will provide as many as they are able to. Letters will be sent to possible donors and plans for fundraising are underway. “The pandemic has magnified the needs of some families who identified mattresses as a need, that some of us may have taken for granted before the crisis,” said board member Dan Wertz. While times are difficult for many right now, the group will continue to seek community support, in order to provide safe and clean mattresses for individuals in need. Please reach out to the group at AcrossMcKean@gmail.com with questions or for more information. Reminder: the group does not accept used mattresses, only monetary donations to purchase new mattresses. 

Monetary donations can be mailed to: Mattresses Across McKean County, P.O. Box 985, Bradford, PA 16701. Visit the group’s Facebook page by searching “Mattresses Across McKean County” or @mckeancountymattresses – and don’t forget to share with your friends!

Dr. Maurice George Verbeke Family Educational Equity Scholarship will support diversity at Penn State DuBois DuBOIS, PA

Dr. Maurice George Verbeke Family Educational Equity Scholarship will support diversity at Penn State DuBois DuBOIS, PA. The very first scholarship at Penn State DuBois to be established as part of Penn State’s new Educational Equity Matching Program has been created in memory of Dr. Maurice George Verbeke. Verbeke’s daughter, Dr. Karen Ann Verbeke Shealey ‘70, with her husband, 

Mr. Harry M. Shealey Jr., made a gift of $25,000 to establish the scholarship. As part of the Educational Equity Matching Program, Penn State will provide a 1:1 match from University funds to create a permanent $50,000 endowment. The Educational Equity Matching Program offers alumni and friends the opportunity to partner with the University in creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Penn State. Through June 30, 2022, or until the $10 million pool of matching support is expended, donors can multiply the impact of new scholarships for students whose gender, race, ethnic, cultural, and/or national background contribute to the diversity of the Penn State community. 

This support will help to fulfill Penn State’s historic land-grant mission—to reach all citizens of the Commonwealth through teaching, research, and service—and drive transformation across the institution and the larger world. More information is available at raise.psu.edu/EEMP “Tragedies like the death of George Floyd are horrific reminders of how much work we need to do to address the ugliness of racism in our country,” said Penn State DuBois Chancellor M. Scott McBride. “As a community of scholars and global citizens, Penn State DuBois is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that respects and honors the dignity and essential worth of all individuals, regardless of historic prejudice or the ways that we may differ. We are grateful that the Verbeke family stands with us in supporting the rights of every individual to attain a higher education. 

History is full of examples of how ignorance and hate can poison and ruin a society. We’ve witnessed and fought against such hate in every generation, both at home and abroad. This is why education is, and always will be, the vehicle for fostering tolerance and understanding, and for building civil societies.” The Verbeke family chose to honor Dr. Verbeke with this scholarship because his legacy exemplifies the ideals of inclusion and acceptance. Born in 1925 in the Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania area, where he was raised, Verbeke passed away on January 19, 2011 at the age of 85. He was professor emeritus at Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College in Glassboro, New Jersey). His parents were Belgian immigrants, Victor Isidore Verbeke and Maria Georgia Elisia Braekevelt Verbeke. After graduating from Beechwoods High School in 1942, Verbeke entered Penn State, beginning his undergraduate studies at Penn State DuBois. The DuBois campus remained close to his heart throughout his life. 

In February 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and spent three years on active duty during World War II. After the war and an honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Penn State and started to teach in 1947, eventually getting his bachelor of science degree in Vocational Education and 

Science in 1949. He received his master of education degree in Educational Administration in 1954 and his doctorate in Educational Administration in 1966, both graduate degrees earned at Penn State. Verbeke began his teaching career in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as a vocational education teacher. He continued his teaching career in Curwensville and Clearfield, Pennsylvania, until 1954, when he began teaching in Miami (Dade County), Florida, where he taught mathematics and art. 

In 1956 he became a guidance counselor and eventually an administrator. After receiving his doctorate in 1966, he went to Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), as an associate professor and was promoted to professor in 1970. At Rowan University, Verbeke taught educational administration for 21 years and started the Department of Educational Administration in 1970. He served as its founding chairman for 13 years. 

In addition, he served as assistant dean of the graduate school and assistant to the dean of instruction. Verbeke was the advisor and seminar professor to over 600 master’s degree students. In addition, he supervised the certification programs for an additional 400 graduate students, hundreds now successfully employed as administrators in the public and private schools and colleges across the U.S., as well as in the private sector. Further, he was instrumental in sending over 40 graduates on to doctoral studies at universities, such as Penn State, Temple, and Rutgers. 

He was a great supporter of first-generation students and took a special interest in international students. Professor Verbeke held numerous leadership roles at the university, state, and national levels and earned numerous honors. Some of these included: president of the New Jersey Council of Education, where he earned the prestigious Distinguished Educator Award; founder of the Educational Professors of New Jersey; Danforth Foundation Fellow; 14 years as chair and member of Glassboro State College’s Athletics Committee and Delegate to the NCAA; member of numerous NCATE and NASDTEC accreditation teams; and 2003 recipient of the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, he was an author of numerous publications and presenter at many professional conferences. “He was a people person who was able to connect to individuals from all places, from all backgrounds, and from all walks of life,” said Verbeke’s daughter, Karen Verbeke Shealey. “He did much for many and left us with so many lessons. 

He was a good and decent man who lived by simple truths, by simple values, and with a deep and abiding commitment to the value of education. He lived each day with intensity and passion, and inspired us to be the best we can be.” Karen went on to recall her father’s important role in helping others to achieve their dreams of higher education, a reason this scholarship in his honor is a fitting tribute. She said, “One of his richest legacies was his love of education; he mentored so many students, literally hundreds, possibly thousands as a teacher, professor, and administrator. 

But he also mentored his own family, including me and his many nieces and nephews and now grand-nieces and nephews, helping over 30 of us to go on to higher education at Penn State, many who began their college careers at the DuBois campus. He had a special place in his heart for Penn State, having earned all three of his degrees there. 

He loved it when one of us achieved. He was so proud.” Verbeke’s enthusiasm for helping others was also apparent in his commitment to the success of first-generation college students. Karen fondly remembers that he mentored many individuals who were the first in their families to pursue higher education, offering guidance to those who otherwise would lack an experienced mentor on this journey. His generosity was extended not just to family, but even to people he had just met for the first time. Similarly, Karen recalled her father’s commitment to educational equity, saying, “I remember when three graduate students from Liberia came to Glassboro and had literally nothing. 

They weren't used to winters in New Jersey, and he went out and bought them winter coats, boots, and other clothing and food and kept checking on them throughout their time in New Jersey. He also was a supporter of my students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), often sending money with me to pay for books, food, and other supplies.” Both Dr. Karen Ann Verbeke Shealey and her husband, Harry (Mike), have spent a substantial part of their careers working and advocating for educational equity. Karen spent 25 of her 44 years in education as a professor and administrator at UMES and another year teaching at Howard University, both of which are historically black universities. 

Harry has been an adjunct faculty member at UMES for over 40 years. Educators at Penn State DuBois, humbled by the legacy of Maurice Verbeke, hope to move forward on his path of mentoring students with the help of generous scholarships like the Dr. Maurice George Verbeke Family Educational Equity Scholarship, providing opportunity for all who wish to embrace it. Assistant Teaching Professor of English Jackie Atkins is proud to help carry on the legacy of Maurice Verbeke and pleased to see the Educational Equity Matching Program take shape. She is the program leader for the Women’s Studies minor and has taught diversity courses in Women's Studies, LGBT Studies, and literature (Black American Writers, Alternative Voices in American Literature, Reading Black, and Reading Feminist, among other courses). Atkins said, “Making people understand that pushing for equal rights for underrepresented or traditionally mistreated people doesn't mean their rights are taken away. It's not pie. There's plenty for everyone.”

Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging will start distributing Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks for Potter County senior citizens

On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging will start distributing Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks for Potter County senior citizens.  These checks are through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.   Each senior citizen receives one set of (4) $6 checks per year.  DUE TO COVID-19, CHECK DISTRIBUTION RULES HAVE CHANGED.  PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SENIOR CENTER AT THE NUMBERS LISTED BELOW OR CALL BARB KIEL, AT POTTER COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AREA AGENCY ON AGING. 

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides eligible senior citizens with checks to use at approved farmers markets to purchase qualifying fresh fruits and vegetables through November 30, 2020.  The checks will be issued through September 30, 2020.

SFMNP checks may only be used to purchase produce grown in Pennsylvania or produce that was purchased directly from a Pennsylvania farmer.    Some of the produce that qualifies under the program includes beans, berries, corn, cucumbers, peppers, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, grapes, onions, potatoes, pumpkins and zucchini. No citrus fruits or tropical fruits are eligible under the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Processed foods, such as jam, honey, cider and baked goods are also ineligible to be purchased through this program.

Potter County senior citizens, age sixty or older, whose income is $23,606 or less for a single person or $31,894 or less for a couple, or $40,182 or less for 3 people or $48,470 or less for four people are eligible for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Income is based on the total income for 2019.  These guidelines are subject to change.  The federal guidelines that are in place the day of distribution will be those that are used.  Eligible participants will be issued four (4), $6.00 checks. 

Seniors who reside in nursing homes, personal care homes or other residential facilities where meals are provided are not eligible for this program.

Vendors that are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for this program display a sign indicating that the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks are accepted.  A list of local farmers markets can be obtained at the Potter County Senior Centers or Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging.

According to the Potter County Area Agency on Aging, this is a very beneficial program that will benefit eligible seniors in Potter County by providing fresh, nutritious home grown produce.  This program also benefits the farmers who raise these items.  It is hoped that seniors will take full advantage of this program.  If you know anyone who is eligible, please have them contact us at the numbers below.

Ulysses Senior Center                                                       Mon. – Wed.

Ulysses Community Bldg.                                                9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

522 Main Street

Ulysses, PA  16948

848-9880

Oswayo Valley Senior Center                                          Mon. – Wed.

128 Lyons Street                                                               9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

Shinglehouse, PA  16748

697-7178

Galeton Senior Center                                                      Wed. – Fri.

St. Bibiana Parish Hall                                                     9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

111 Germania Street

Galeton, PA  16922

435-2864

Coudersport Senior Center                                              Wed. – Fri.

Coudersport Volunteer Fire Dept. Training  Ctr.         9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

171 Rt. 6 West

Coudersport, PA  16915

274-7887

Potter County Human Services AAA

62 North Street

Roulette, PA  16746

814-544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560

Ask for Barb Kiel

For more information, please contact Barb Kiel, Potter County Area Agency on Aging at 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.

Oswayo Valley Middle/High School Graduation

10 entrepreneurs complete inaugural PA Wilds PACE Program

10 entrepreneurs complete inaugural PA Wilds PACE Program Entrepreneurs representing 10 different businesses from across the Pennsylvania Wilds have completed the inaugural PA Wilds PACE Program, a 10-week professional development course to help scale rural businesses.

 “This program truly provided me with a personalized toolbox I can use to ‘do’ my business better,” said Marie Lewis, owner of Pine Springs Pottery and a participant in the PA Wilds PACE cohort. “It did not fully answer and explain every need and question but rather provided me with a starting point and direction for learning more in my weakest areas as well as actions I can take to flesh out and improve those areas where I am already doing well. In addition, it provided a way to really get to know a network of creative entrepreneurs that I would not otherwise have the opportunity to work with - there are already some collaborations in the works.

” While COVID-19 required an online format for the final session, it was nothing new to the participants, who were tuning into Zoom twice a week throughout the duration of the course. A social banquet / graduation ceremony will be offered once the public health situation improves. “We are so incredibly proud of all the participants who were able to take this journey with us,” said Abbi Peters, chief of operations at PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., a regional nonprofit that seeks to marry economic development and conservation in the 13-county region known as the Pennsylvania Wilds. “This group’s ability to work together and have another layer of support throughout the stay-at-home order has again proven the resilience of our region and the value of connecting with peers through a network like the Wilds Cooperative of PA.

” The Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) is a regional business network about 300 members strong that is managed by the PA Wilds Center. In addition to Lewis, participants in the inaugural cohort included: Ryan and Brandi Magaro of Rich Valley Wines, Tim Thomas from Elkwood Arts, Mickayla Poland of PA Made LLC, Christine King from King Krunch Gourmet Brands, Tara Heckler of Blackberry & Sage Market, Kevin Coolidge of From My Shelf Books & Gifts, Kathleen Schnell of Cottage Glassworks, Allison Schanbacher of Lucky Shot Photography and Michellle Munksgard of Icyy Ink Screen Printing. PACE is an acronym that stands for Plan, Accelerate, Commit and Expand.

The program was offered by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. and made possible by a partnership with the Covation Center. Valued at $2,500 per person, members of the Wilds Cooperative of PA were able to participate in the PA Wilds PACE Program at no cost thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA).

The program will be offered again thanks to funding the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Covation Center blends curriculum-based and facilitated cohorts with one-on-one mentoring to ensure participants are able to develop their own unique plan for business growth. This model has been successfully demonstrated in the Scale-Up America program and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Engage! Program. PA Wilds Center infuses information about how businesses can leverage the Pennsylvania Wilds brand and their membership in the Wilds Cooperative of PA to grow their businesses. “It has been our goal to offer this type of virtual professional development experience for our rural entrepreneurs for years. To see it come to fruition and hear all the positive feedback from the participating entrepreneurs is extremely rewarding,” Peters said. “We are excited to be able to offer the program again so that even more business owners can continue to grow in our region.” Learn more and watch for updates about the PA Wilds PACE Program and the Wilds Cooperative of PA at wildscopa.org/wco-pace-program/.

Port Allegany High School Named Jostens 2020 National Yearbook Program of Excellence

Port Allegany High School program recognized for dynamic and engaging yearbook. (Port Allegany) 

– (May/2020) – Jostens, the leading producer of yearbooks and student-created content, today announced that Port Allegany’s yearbook program has been named a Jostens 2020 National Yearbook Program of Excellence for the ninth consecutive year. The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy. 

The Port Allegany award winning yearbook program is led by Co-Editors-in-Chiefs Ariana Barnard and Sierra Wiley, Editors Kayla Baxter, Alliyah Penick, Mattison Maben, Bryn Easton, Kevin Hurd, River Stuckey, Staff Members Allie Ahearn, Carmen Ahearn, Willow Babcock, Thomas Beeson, Devan Carpenter, Blaze Maben, Mattison Maben, Kobie Slaugenhaupt, Collin Stuckey, River Stuckey under the direction of Mrs. Kimberly Bowser, Port Allegany High School’s yearbook adviser. Mrs. Bowser commented, “This was a great group of kids to work with and it started out as a typical year but it ended as nothing typical. 

The Covid-19 Pandemic was quite a challenge and brought a new approach to yearbooking.” Jostens’ National Yearbook Program of Excellence Awards are presented twice a year, in spring and in fall based on the yearbook’s arrival date at the school. The award was presented to the Port Allegany 

Tiger Lily yearbook program for achieving the defined criteria in each of three following categories: creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement, and successfully managing the yearbook creation process. “Especially this spring, Jostens is proud to recognize those individuals who have acted as wonderful stewards by creating an exceptional yearbook for their school and community,” said Tammy Whitaker, Jostens VP and COO Yearbook Division. “These schools did an exceptional job on multiple levels, despite the challenges presented by Spring 2020. Yearbooks are a critical part of capturing and telling a school’s story, and Jostens is dedicated to supporting yearbook staff members as they do their important work.”

DCNR Moves to Open State Park Swimming Beaches, Pools

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced a phased opening of all state park swimming beaches and some pools in keeping with Governor Wolf’s direction to ensure Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and help maintain positive physical and mental health.

Effective June 6, all 58 state park beaches will be open to swimming. State park pools will remain closed through at least June 12, with most in designated yellow and green counties reopening June 13.

“Water-based activity is an integral part of the state park experience in Pennsylvania and, with appropriate protocols in place to ensure safety and as staffing permits, this department continues to reopen its state parks and forests so that Pennsylvanians can realize all the benefits of being outdoors,” Dunn said.

Capacity at beaches and pools will be limited to 50 percent of the normal facility capacity, the secretary noted. Mitigation measures will be in place, including restricting visitor parking, controlling facility access, social distancing and the wearing of face masks when not in the water. All CDC guidance remains in effect. 

Dunn reminded visitors lifeguards are on duty at beaches at  two state parks: Fuller Lake, at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Cumberland County, and Presque Isle State Park, Erie County.

Because of necessary maintenance work, swimming pools at Ryerson Station State Park, Greene County, and Codorus State Park, York County will not be opening for the 2020 season.

Meanwhile, in a related development as the latest counties were announced as yellow, Dunn said facilities would be reopening at 18 state parks in eight counties. Family campground sites and park offices will open May 29 at these 18 state parks.

Also opening May 29 will be district offices in the following state forest districts: Michaux,  Weiser, Rothrock and Delaware. Pinchot’s Luzerne County sites will open; however designated campsites will remain closed at Moon Lake Recreation Area. Pinchot Resource Management Center, in red Lackawanna County, will remain closed and not be issuing permits or conducting other business before June 5. Pinchot State Forest in Lackawanna County is open (under red county guidelines), but designated campsites and picnic pavilions are closed.

In counties announced as yellow May 15, as well as earlier additional counties announced as yellow, park and forest offices opened May 22. Tent and RV camping also opened May 22.
In counties first announced as yellow, park and forest district offices and tent and RV camping reopened May 15.

Facilities such as cabins, cottages, lodges, and yurts will be opening statewide on June 12^th.
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County, also reopened May 15.
DCNR is following Governor Wolf’s plan and process for reopening Pennsylvania using red, yellow and green colors to outline restrictions in place for that county. The red phase has the most  restrictions, which are eased as counties move to yellow and green. DCNR is following this approach to begin opening facilities in counties that are designated as yellow. 
Regardless of any county color designation, all state parks and forests now have at least one restroom open to the public in day-use areas and in marinas statewide. Additional cleaning protocols are in place to help protect park and forest visitors. 

In addition, the public can still access DCNR trails, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, roads, and parking areas statewide for recreation. 

All nine marinas in state parks are open. Shoreline mooring sites at all state parks also are open. In addition, three public golf courses in Caledonia and Evansburg state parks and Michaux State Forest are authorized to be open to the public. These golf courses are operated by private concessions.

Boat concessions (which are privately operated) in red counties will remain closed. Boat concessions in yellow counties are permitted to be open, but in some cases are not. State parks should be called directly for more information about marinas and boat concessions. 
Except for one restroom in each day-use area, all state park and forest facilities in the red phase will remain closed until changes are made consistent with Governor Wolf’s guidelines for reopening. 

All picnic pavilion reservations, playgrounds, nature play areas, interpretive centers, amphitheaters, and group camping facilities statewide will remain closed until further notice..
All programs, events, and large gatherings at state parks and forests in counties that are designated red are cancelled through June 15. Based on availability, organizers will have the option to reschedule later in the year. No new reservations for these activities are being taken.

In counties designated yellow, any events with more than 25 people will be cancelled. If the event is under 25 people and outdoors it will be allowed to occur, however any indoor events will be cancelled.

Picnic tables in state parks are dispersed to allow room to spread out and avoid crowds. Campsites and cabins should only be used by members living in the same household as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

People who live in areas still under stay-at-home orders should not travel long distances for outdoor recreation, and instead should look for opportunities close to home. Pennsylvania has 6,000 local parks and more than 12,000 miles of trails available (check first to make sure they are open, as some local parks are closed).
Visitors can help keep state parks and forest lands safe by following these practices:

1. Avoid crowded parking lots and trailheads
2. Bring a bag and either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly
3. Clean up after pets
4. Avoid activities that put you at greater risk of injury, so you don’t require a trip to the emergency room

To help avoid exposure to COVID-19 and protect others, and still enjoy the outdoors:

1. Don’t hike or recreate in groups – go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart)
2. Wear a mask
3. Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly
4. Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose
5. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow
6. If you are sick, stay home

Pennsylvania has 121 state parks, and 20 forest districts.

Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center Celebrates Graduates